The Chinese New Year celebrations kicked off when the Year of the Dragon officially began on January 23rd. The celebrations continue throughout Connecticut this week!

1. The Yale-China Association is celebrating the New Year in 2 different ways, on one action-packed day in New Haven! First, enjoy the colorful spectacle of the Lion Dance Parade from 11:30am until 12:15pm. The parade begins at the corner of Church and Elm Streets, and it’ll end at the Yale-China office at the corner of Temple and Trumbull Streets.
The parade route will (not coincidentally) pass right through the growing Chinatown section of New Haven, which has restaurants and specialty shops catering to Eastern culture and interests. A New York-based dance team will perform the ancient art of the Dragon dance, and the parade will also include a Martial Arts show.

Then, in the evening, the Yale-China Association will host its Inaugural Cheongsam Ball at the New Haven Lawn Club! The event’s namesake is a traditional, ornate type of Chinese dress. While you’re not required to wear a cheongsam, all guests are encouraged to get into the spirit and dress in traditional Chinese attire!

The Ball will feature a 1930s theme, complete with jazz music by the renowned Zhang Le, a special dance performance, wonderful food, an open bar, and an international selection of silent auction items.The Cheongsam Ball begins at 6pm and lasts until 10pm. Tickets are $111 to commemorate the 111th anniversary of the Yale-China Association. You can register by filling out the form at this link.

2. You can also check out the Chinese New Year celebration at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo! Bring the kids for this fun-filled afternoon. Since it’s the Year of the Dragon, many of the Zoo’s lizards will be featured during this afternoon celebration. You can also expect unique stories, crafts, and a children’s parade. The Zoo will have its own dragon appearance, too!  The festivities will begin at noon around the Carousel. You can learn more by visiting the Zoo’s website!